Esther M. Bearg, 96, entered eternity on July 19, 2023 after a long life and a brief illness. An educator and guidance counselor for over 40 years, she earned a doctorate in education and penned many articles about guidance for West Orange High School’s Guidance Department as well as two for the New York Times, and several more for other periodicals and contests. On one side of the family, she achieved the status of the last remaining cousin of her generation.
In spite of several crushing tragedies, Dr. Bearg lived her life on her own terms—forging lifelong friendships; adding her energy, ideas, and reliability to local organizations (especially to Oheb Shalom Congregation and the Holocaust Council); and advocating for and supporting those in need. She had a long-time subscription to the New York Philharmonic, to which she drove well into her 80s. She loved going to theater and to movies. She passed away in her own home, which she loved, largely because she felt embraced by her beloved husband Arnold, who had crafted bookcases, paneled walls, and finished the basement.
Predeceased in 1981 by both Arnold, who was her high school boy friend, and later by her two, dear brothers, Norman and Alvin, Grandma Es was beloved by her children: Freddie (Joel) Glucksman, Barry (Barbara) Bearg, and Martin Bearg; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, as well as the children of her friends and her children’s friends and children.
Dr. Bearg’s family is sad but grateful for her 96 years.
